"As the cause of the loss has not been established on the evidence this question cannot be answered..."It is clear therefore that from the point of view of ensuring that lessons are learnt and future disasters avoided, the FI into the loss of the Derbyshire offered very little.
The FI report is littered with references to the lack of factual evidence, yet the most surprising omission is its failure to consider - in any detail - the history of cracking in the Derbyshire's five sister ships. In addition, research undertaken for the Department of Transport was also not taken into account despite the fact this pointed to structural failure in the way of frame 65.
The hypothesis of structural failure is that the Derbyshire was more likely to break slightly forward of the superstructure in the region of frame 65 due to reported weaknesses in this area in the five sister ships. Research undertaken by Bishop and Temeral, confirmed that the Derbyshire, and other very large ships, are susceptible to stresses in areas previously not fully appreciated, namely 0.25 ship lengths from the bow and 0.2 ship lengths from the stern - the latter position coincides with frame 65.The hypothesis continues on the basis that the vessel broke near geographical position 2 shown on the map of the Formal Investigation Report, and that the stern, incorporating the engine, pump rooms and the superstructure had virtually no stability as a vessel, and sank very quickly, like a stone, with little or no lateral displacement. Subsequently fuel oil from one of the Derbyshire's bunker tanks is thought to have been released at this stage, hence the sighting made by the helicopter.(as yet unconfirmed except by the reference in the Formal Investigation Report.) Following the disappointment of the Formal Inquiry, experts representing the mv Derbyshire Family Association (DFA) spent three years checking out all the technical and scientific data to find the wreck of the Derbyshire. A feasability study was successful and the DFA's search advice was used by the ITF, except for the choice of the underwater contractor.
Objectives of the ITF's expedition
By following this link, you can look at thumbnail pictures (linked to full sized pictures )of maps, search plans, search plans and lines, pictures of the scanners, and the sonar records themselves.
- to undertake a deep ocean sonar search for the wreck of the Derbyshire in an attempt to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the Derbyshire broke in two at the surface, and, by doing so, compel the UK maritime safety authorities to re-examine the circumstances of the vessel's loss, with a view to re-opening the Formal Investigation.
- to arouse world-wide public interest in maritime safety, and in particular, the plight of seafarers of all nationalities working on board bulk carriers and other very large ships, and to provide increased focus by maritime agencies on the vulnerability of these types of vessels.